Grain separator and recleaning device



March 12, i929. H MJOLSNESS 1,705,302

GRAIN SEPARATOR AND RECLEANING DEVICE Filed Oct. 2,1925 5 Sheets-Sheet l March l2, 1929. H. MJoLsNr-:s's

GRAIN SEPARATOR AND RECLEANING DEVICE? Filed oct. 2, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet ln/ventola H um ktm Pljnlsness March 12, 1929. H. MJoLsNl-:ss

I GRAIN SEPARATOR AND RIEICLIEANIN'G' DEVC Filed Oct. 2. 1925 5 Sheets-.Sheet March 12, 1929. 'H. MJOLSNESS 1,705,302

u GRAIN SEPARATOR AND RECLEANING DEVICE Filed Oct. 2, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 s E gwwmo'v Haakon Pllcllsness March l2, 1929. H, MJLSNESS 1,705,302

GRAIN SEPARATOR AND RECLEANING DEVICE Filed Oct. 2, 1925 5 Sheets-VSheet 5 Hu ukcm' Plulsness a tto: 11mg Patented Mar. 12, 1929.

HAAKON MJOLSNESS, 0F MINNEAPOLS, MINNESOTA.

GRAIN SEPARATOR AND RECLEANING DEVICE.

Application filed October 2, 1925.

My invention relates to grain separators and is adapted to provide a simple device for separating grain of different sizes, such as oats, wheat, barley and other similar grains, together with smaller' grains., so as to thoroughly clean and separate the same.

A feature of my invention resides in providing a separator wherein thev same is adapted to operate in units so that the grain may he passed from one cylinder to another and so that separations and cleaning of the grain may take place in each cylinder. A unit ordinarily comprises a top cylinder in which the first separation is made and with two or more cylinders positioned below the 1top cylinder of practically the same construction as the top cylinder, and adapted to operate to make the desired separation of the Orain passing through the unit.

A feature of my invention resides in a separator for grain in which the operation is very rapid. This permits more grain to be passed through the separating unit than has ordinarily heen accomplished in the same time, and at the same time to provide such a construction as to not impair the separatingqualities of my grain separator. I have found that the operation of my machine is quite to the contrary, that even though l:A

run and operate the machine very rapidly,

et the separation is more complete and morer thorou Oli than has been heretofore accomplished, in so far as I know.

lt is also a. feature of my invention to provide means` for banking the grain within the cylinders of the unit in a manner so that the wei ght of the grain holds the smaller seeds and grain in the indentations of the cylinders, prevents the grain from whipping about and causes it to he carried by the indentations of the separating cylinders to elevate the same into the separating trough, and in this manner the small grain and the foroi particles are separated fro-m the larger grain and a thorough separation `and cleaning of the grain is accomplished. rllhus I provide a retarding means to hold the grain at a predetermined level in the saparating cylinders, which is a Very important part of my invention. Y

a feature of my invention to provide means for operating thev retarders and the troughs collectively or lseparately While my separator is in operation, which permits the adjustment of these parts so as to accomplish Serial No. 60,035.

the 1nest results which can he apprehended most advantageously while the machine is in operation. It may he readily appreciated that this adjustment of either the trough or the retarders is most effective whilethe machine is in operation hy those experienced in handling the separation of grains and the cleaning of the same, and this permits the operator to more carefully adjust these parts to the position so as to give the most effective results. The invention includes means for collectively operating the tro-ughs or retarders in the cylinders.

A further feature of my invention resides in providing suitable hearing means to permit the cylinders to he placed at the most desii-able angles in'relation tol each other so that the parts will operate., freely.

l provide in my invention a unit wherein the lower cylinders extend approximately at the same inclining angle while the cylinder superimposed over these cylinders extends in the opposite angle in a manner to permit the grain to travel from the superimposed cylinder to the cylinders positioned helow the same.l This formation of my machine provides a unit construction wherein the cylinders are arranged in the most advantageous way to take up the smallest'amount of space for each unit, and to permit one unit to he used separately or to allow several units to he connected together where the occasion offers, to provide the grain separator and recleaning device which is adapted to operate in the most eflicient manner and to clean' the largest amount of grain in the smallest amount of time, as has been accomplished heretofore, in so far as I know.

These features and objects, together with,

other details and formation of construction will loe more fully and carefully pointed lout in the following specification and rater and cleaning deviceyillustrating two of the units thereof connected together.

Figure 2 is a section on the line 2 2 of Figure l, diagrammatically illustrating the operation of the units of my grain separator and cleaning device.

Figure 3 is a cross section illustrating diagrammatically the operation of one ofthe cylinders to show the separation and cleaning ot the grain When the cylinder is in operation showing the position of the receiving trough and the retarder.

Figure illustrates diagrammatically a detail showing the operation of the separation in the first cylinder.

Figure 5 is a detail showing` diagraminatically the operation in the second cyl- Ender.

Figure 6 `is a detail showing diagranr inatically the operation in the third. cylinder oil:i the units.

Figure is a longitudinal cross section in enlarged formation to one ot. the cylinders ot my units on the grain separator ano. cleaning; device.

Figure 8 a cross section on the line 8 8 ot Figure 7.

Figure 9 is an end view on the line 9-9 of Figure T of the end plate on each of the cylinders.

Figure l0 illustrates an end view showing lthe driving means for the units ot my separator and cleaner.

Figure .ll is a detail ot a clamp.

1n the drawings A represents my grain separator and cleaning device which made up` in a unit with several cylindersj such as l, C and Dp These cylinders are arranged in a manner to operate together so the t'aet they operate in unison, boing); (L .f by the pulley l() which operates vthe shaft and l y means ot the chain drive l2 nd the shafts 14 and 1.5 are operated which turn operate the gear 16 at each cylinder to operate the respective cylinders B, C and Each unit A of my separator is practically identical and can be connected together in any suitable manner as is illustrated in the drawings -by beinga placed jacent each othemz such as is illustrated in Figure l and in Figure 10, the upright l? oi the units being bolted together in any suitable manner. t members indented in the body 2O o't' the cylinder i3) lenta- 1Vith the indentations 2l. These in! tions form the pockets tor the lodge into andas the suiace ot the h:

of the cylinder B is entirely i. these t indenrations throughout and over its entire circular eylindri face the gr: can be carried in there tations throughout the entire length ot the body 2O of the Cylinder B. The cylinder B is placed at a slight inclined angle, as illustrated in the drawings in the unit A, and this permits the grain to travel from the receiving end to the discharging end ot the cylinder, partly by gravity and partly by the rotation of thc cylinder.

'lfhe cylinder B is carried by the operating;` shatt 22. @n the receiving end ot the cylinder l a suitable shatt engaging bearingl 23 is provided which is keyed in a suitable manner to the shaft 22 and extending from this bearingl are the spoke members 24 `:which support the rim 25 on their outer end to which the end ot the cylinder 2O is attached to support the saine on one end. This provides the receivingfend ot' the cylinder B of my grain separator and cleaning device A.

At the receivingl end ot' the cylinder B of my device7 the `upper end olf the trough which surrounds the bottom portion of `the screw propeller 2G which is mounted upon the shaft 22, adapted to rotate therouith7 carried by the bearing` 27 While this end oit the 'trous-gh 28 is closed-` rlChe bearing 27 is secured in the end 28 of the trough and 's adapted to be held stationary and forni a-bear g on the shaft 22 for the upper end' the trough 29. The trough isV adapted to remain stationary when set but is adjustable -within. the cylinder B in a manner which will be hereinafter described.

Agt the discharge end ot the cylinder l thebody portion 2O ot the cylinder is attached to the end nieinlber 30 which is vtermed with a rim 3l to which the end oi the cylinder 20 is attached. VvEhe nfieinber 30 is provided with spokes 32 which connect the rim 3l. with a bearing` ring` 3?) which is adapted to he supported freely rotatable upon the bearing 'tlange Sel of t ie end plate 3F.

The end plate 35 is provided with a shaft engaging' portion which its over the erugl oi the svha'tt and in whichv the end of the shaft 22 is adapted to' rotate. The end. plate 35 is held stationary against rotation by the members 37 which are connected .together by the link 38 and by the ever arm 3f) which if: secured to one oit the members 3T andY which is held stationary by the linlt 410 eno'ae' in one ot' the openings tl to hold toe ,lever S9 together with the end plato in a set adjusted pof-'ition The discharge endrr2 of the trough 29 is secured to the end plate 35 by any suitable means which securely fasten the discharge end of the trough 29 to hold it against free rotation in the cylinder l. This construetion also permits the cylinder B to operate and rotate so that the body portion 2O with the indentations in the saine will rotate by the bearing` 23 with the shaft 22 Whi l keyed to the saine at the receiving end oi cylinder, and by the rotatable supporting lOO nl G

, 8 of the drawings.

-face of the cylinder 20, which is in the indentations 2l of memher@ on the discharge end of the cylinder, which engages against the bearing collar 34 and is free to rotate thereon in operation.

The trough 29 is formed with an angular projecting portion at the receiving end of the cylinder B formed integral with the end 28 of the trough. manner so as to take in the upper or reeeiving end of the indentations of the body 2O of the cylinder B. The rear end of thel trough extends practically through the entire end of the indented cylinder 2O so that it is obvious that the trough 29 operates through the entire length of the cylinder B. This is quite important in my invention as it increases the efficiency and operation of my separator.

The trough 29 is formed with a grain receiving shelf 46, extending angularly from one side of the trough 29 and longitudinally of the entire trough. The outer end of the shelf is bent inward to forni the edge 4T, extending downward from the shelf. and back away from, but in close proximity to the inner surface of the cylinder body 2O The edge 47 together with the V inner surin close proximity thereto, forms a 'narrow slotlike openingl 4S through which the grain is carried in the rotation of the cylinder B in theA direction of the arrow in Figure Only such grain is carried up through the slot 4S which will lodge the cylinder body 20. As soon as these grains are carried above the shelf 46 they are adapted to fall by gravity into the trough 29.

On the opposite side tothe shelf 46 l provide an uiliwardly extending side 49 which extends longitudinally along the trough practically throughout the entire length of the same. This side 49 is formed with an inwardly extending end or edge 50 which is also placed or extended in comparatively close relation to the inner surface of the cylinder wall 20. ln this manner grain which is carried by the cylinder B in the indentations 21 is caused to strike against the guard 49 in the rapid operation of the cylinder if it is carried over the center of the same. Only the lighter and smaller grain goes far enough to strike very high upon the guard 49, and

and separated very thoroughly.

rlhe peculiar formation and operation of my indented cylinder 2O with 'the guard 29, and the particular formation and shape. of the grain receiving shelf 46, together with the guard 49, and the positioning of the edges 47 and the edge 50 of the guard, permit me vto operate my grain separatingr device and cleaner very rapidly. In so far as I know these cylinders have an entirely new This projects in a the separation is so comeplete and thorough that the grain is clea Ad operation and construction together with the arrangement of parts and thus the operation and effectiveness of my separator is complete. l

An important feature of my invention resides in a retarder for the grain which l have positioned adjustably at the discharge end of the cylinder B. This retarder 52 is very similar in shape to a half-crescent formation with a body portion wide and comes in close proximity to the lower portion of the trough 29, while the pointed end 54 of the saine is adapted to extend towards the grain shelf 46. rl`he arcuate edge 55 of the retarder 52 is positioned and held very close to the inner surface of the cylinder wall 2O in a manner so that the retarder 52 can hold and bank up the grain to prevent it from sliding out of the discharge end -56 of the cylinder l).

The retarder A52 supported by the arm 58 which secured thereto and which is bent in a manner to form a portion 59,` adapted to extend over the edge 50 of the trough 29, and is formed with an inwardly extending portion 60 which` engages-in the pockets 61 of the collar 62. VThe collar 62 is supported on the shaft 22. By means of the lock 63 which projects from the collar 62 which is connected to the rod 64,y which extends through the slot 65 in the plate 35, and which connects wi'h the lever 66, the retarder 52 can be rotated about the inner surface of the cylinder 2O to change the position of the saine in relation to the trough 29. liVhen the retarders are adapted to be operated in unison in the unit A, as illustrated in Figure l of the drawings, the levers 66 are connected to the link 6T which is connected by the link 68 to the operating lover V69. Thus by operating the lever 69 the retarders ini-the respective cylinders can be operated in unison while the unit A is in operation. 'lhis permits the easy adjustment of the rctarders so as to operate most ei'iiciently. A suitable clan'ip 70 is adapted to engagethe link 67 to hold the saine set in a rigid position when the retarders are set in the position to operate most efficiently. Before the lever 69 is operated the clamp 70 is released to permit the link 67 to operate freely to move the connecting arms or links 66. Vfheu the units A are connected together and in operation, it is quite important that the retarders 52 be operated in unison so that the separation is the saine in all of the units.

llach unit A which consists of the separatingcylinders B., C and D, form a coinplete operating unit to separate the grain as it passes through the unit, as is illustrated in Figures 4, 5. and 6 diagramatically. Figure 4 shows a portion Vof tliefirst cylinder, such as B, which separates the small seeds 53 which lili) and the like, from the larger' seeds, such as oats and the like, and any foreign matter is inclined to be carried by indents into the trough 29 in the operation of the unit A. Then in Figure 5 the second cylinder, such as C, illustrates the separation of the large Wheat from the oats. rilhe large Wheat or oats traveling over `the retarder' 52 and out of the discharge end ot the cylinder B, directly into the receiving end of the cylinder C which communicates directly Wit-h the indented cylinder portion 20 of the cylinder As the cylinderI C operates, the large Wheat is separated from the oats, as illus t-rated diagrammatically in Figure 5, thus providing a recleaning cylinder for the oats in C. At the discharge end of the cylinder C, the Wheat is carried out oit the trough 80, While the oats carried over the retarder in the cylinder C and into the spout 81. The

operation of my unitA is so 'thorough as to practically deliver pure oats out of Vthe cylinder C from and over the retarder end out of the spout 8l, While the trough in the cylinder C delivers the Wheat, a practically clean separated grain.

The operation of the vcylinder D is illustra-ted diagrammaticallyin a portion of the indented cylinder 2O which shows the cockle-ivild peay and tine seed into the trough of the cylinder l) and out oit the dis charge end oi" the same, While the clean Wheat, free from foreign n'iaterial, is delivered over the retarder 52 at the discharge end of the cylinder D. Obviously as many recleaning and reseparating cylinders as may be desired may be employed in my unit, but 'for all ordinary purposes tivo cylinders er:- tending in the same inclined direction, so as to extend apggn'oximately parallel to each other, positioned directly belenv the upper cylinder B, are sutlicient to cause the sepan ration and cleaning that may be desired. It to be noted that the cylinder B extends in the opposite direction or inclined to the cylinders C and D. This permits the making oft the unit A in a compact formation and is quite important in my invention. llt very desirable that the separators be made compact.

have stated that each cylinder B, C and D of the units A are identical in general construction, each hai/'ing the trough 29 `carried Within the same about the screw conveying member on the shaft 22. In many cases it is very desirable to have more than one unit A in the operation of my separator and I have made up my separator units in a manner so that they can be readily connected, side by side to the number ot units that may be desired and thus permit a large amount of grain to be separated atone time. In carrying' out my invention it is quite important that these units can be connected to each other and that I provide means such as the levers 39 and :G9 which operate the troughs of the respective cylinders `and units in unison, together with the respective retarders in each cylinder. This permits a uniform separation of the grain.

An important feature of the invention resides in the retarding means which holds the grain banked in the cylinder extending longitudinally along practically the tull length ci the same, and thus permitting the banked up grain to hold the smaller seeds and the foreign matter Weighted down by the seeds on top, Which naturally Would Atend to be the larger seeds, as the vsmaller seeds and foreign matter would travel toward the bottom of the cylinder, and .tind its way into the indents 2l, and owing to the operation oit the cylinder 20 be carried up into the trough 29. Without my retardin g means the iin would jump around and travel in a thin layer along the bottom of the cylinder 20 and out of the discharge end Without berlfheretore, my re" ing properly separated. tarder is of very pr'mary importanceand is adapted to he ad ble into the position desir l so as to raise or lovver the upper edge 83 in relation to the channel in the cylinder at the bottom of the same, and by this adjusting means through the lever 69, l can aiiljust each ret-arderl into the desired position. v' he arm 59 permits the, retarder to operate readily over the top edge 50 ot the guard i9 and When the trough 29 is adjusted about the axis of the shaft V22, the relative position of the retarder 52 can also be adjusted in accordance therewith.

rl'he adjustment of the troughs 29 in. each of the cylinders ot the units and the retarders 52 are regulated in proportion to the speed at which the cylinders B, C and D are rotating and according to the A in which is being separated, By means of the adjustment ofthese parts and the particular tormation ot the same, l am able to obtain a very tine adjustment of each cylinder so that the separation and recleaniug ot the grain practically perfect, in. fact, govcrnnient tests which have been made of my machine show that the etliciecy of the same has been 4very high in compai )n with other devices which have been used heretofore for the separation of grain. lt is evident that the retarders and the troughs can. be operated separately if it is desired, so that these elements can be fitted .in each cylinder as may be required, to perform the necessary functions in the operation oi the units. the diagrammatic illustration in Fignre 3 the operation is illustrated in the separation of the grain Which shows the grain being carred up by the rotation of the cylinders in the direction oit the arrow indicated in the drawings which has a tendency to draw the grain up the side Wall ci' the cylinder 20, and B clearly illustrates the necessity of gum llO

adjusting the point 54 of the retarderl 52 into the proper posit-ionso as to not bank the grain too high and yet hold the grain back suiliciently so that it will dll the bottom part of the cylinder and permit the smaller grain to be elevated and disclmrged onto the grain receiving` shelf lo and into the trough 29. While if for any reason the cylinder 2O is being operated very rapidly the grain carried up by the indentations 2l of Vhe cylinder 2O extends over the axis or center of the cylinder, then the guard '4:9 functions to catch the same and hold it from extending over on to the other side and back into the lower portion of the cylinder. This illustration will clearly set forth the action of my cylinders, together with the position of J:he trough and the relation of the retarder therein. The adjustment yof the trough and the retarder separately or collectively permits the successful operation of my machine, while the posit-ion of the cylinders in the respective angles and in the place illustrated super-imposed above each other, permits me to provide a very compact unit to operate in a very swift manner.

In accordance with the patent statutes have described the principlesl of operation of my separator and recleaning device, and while the drawings illustrate a particular formation of the same, I desire to have it understood that these illustrations are only suggestive of a particular manner in which my invention can be carried out and l desire to have it understood that the invention can be applied to other uses and carried out by other means than those herein illustrated within the scope of the following claims.

l claim:

l. A grain separator comprising, a cylinder, a shaft for operating said cylinder, a

:'seiiaratinn' convever co-axiall f mounted rel-` l o .f l

ative to said shaft and directly driven thereby, said conveyor mounted on said shaft and an iniperforate retarder in said cylinder transversely disposed to thelongitudinal axis of said cylinder for holding the grain at a predetermined level therein while the separator is in operation.A

2. il grain separator' including, a grain cylinder, a conveyor arranged within said cylinder in a manner to receive the grain to be separated by said cylinder in the operation thereof by circuniferentially elevating the grain in the rotation of 'said cylinder, a trough in which said conveyer is is adapted to operate and an imperforate retarder in said cylinder transversely disposed to the longitudinal axis of said cylinder adapted to bank the grain at a prede termined level in a manner to cause the grain on top to sweep the grain below into the indents of the operating cylinder.

3. A separating and recleaning device for grain including, a cylinder having a surface formed with indentations throughout the surface thereof to receive the `kernels of grain, a conveyor trough extending through said cylinder, a conveyer therein and a grain retarder adjustable relative to said trough and disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said trough at one end thereof adapted to hold the grain at a predetermined level in a manner to cause the weight of the grain in its banked position by the retarder, to hold the grain at the.

bottom of the cylinder in said indents, while the cylinder is rotated to carry the grain up to the separating conveyer trough.

4. il grain separator and recleaning device including, a separating trough in said separator' a grain receiving cylinder having means for carrying grain in the surface thereof, to raise the same to said separating trough and an independently adjustable retarding means disposed in and substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said cylinder adapted to hold the grainat a predetermined level in said cylinder for the purpose specified.

5. A grain separator and recleaning device including, a cylinder having a shaftV for carrying the same, a screw conveyer extending through. said cylinder on said shaft, a grain receiving trough about the lower side of said conveyor, a grain receiving shelf on one side of said trough and a guard on the other side thereof, means for holding said trough adjustable and stationary in said cylinder, and a retarder adjustably positioned at the discharge end of said cylinder havingmeans for adjusting the same concentrically about said trough in a manner to bank the grain beneath the trough so that it may be properly separated in the operation of said cylinder.

6. A grain separating cylinder including, means for supporting said cylinder at an inclined angle, a cylindrical indented body portion formed in said cylinder, the indents of which are adapted to receive the grain, a trough adjustably positioned within said cylinder, a conveyer extending through said trough and an adjustable retarder positioned at the discharge end of said cylinder,

adapted to be adjusted in relation to either said trough or said cylinder to facilitate the adjustment of the same to accomplish the most ei'licient separation of Athe grain passing through said cylinder.

7. A grain separator comprising, a series of grain reccivingcylinders positioned one above the other, the uppermost cylinder extending in an inclined position, while the lower cylinders extend 'in an oppositely inclined position in a manner so that the grain can pass from one cylinder to the other by gravity and rotary action of the cylinders, and grain separating means within each of the cylinders including an axially positioned conveyor and trough, and a retarder adjustaloly positioned in relation to said trough and cylinder to permit the separation and recleaning of grain which passes through said separator.

8. A grain separator and reclaiming device including units having several cylinders which are connected in a manner to cause grain to pass troni one cylinder to the other,

iiieans tor attaching several units together adjacent each other, each cylinder in each of the units being provided with grain separating and reclcaniiig ineans, including an adjustable retarder, an adjustable trough and ineans for adjusting the troughs of the diil'erent units i-ii unison, and means for adjusting the ret-ardere of the dill'erent units in unison whereby a uniform separation and recleaning of grain is accomplished in said device.

9. A grain separating and reseparating and cleaning device, including a unit of tend in the saine inclined position, and grain separating ineans Within each cylinder including a concentiically adjustable grain retarder, a trough adjustable With relation to said retarder, and an indented surface iorined on the inside of each of said cylinders whereby the grain is banked by Said retarder in the indented cylinder, and can ried into the conveyer to he a-teparated.

10. A grain separating device including a cylinder, a conveyor located Within said cylinder, a trough adjacentv said conveyor and a tapered retarder adjustable concentrically Within said cylinder, saidretarder hein-g adapted to vary the depth oi? the grain in the hottoinportioii of said cylinder and to cause the underneath grain to he. carried by the cylinder to the conve or.

HAAP-ZON MOLSNESS 

